What Are the Duties of a Radiology Technician?

Radiology technicians play an important role in the health care industry. They are a pivotal part in the diagnosis process of a patient who may be admitted in the hospital for illness or who enters the emergency rooms due to acute injuries. To perform their job efficiently, they must combine knowledge with compassion, as well as have the ability to follow orders.

Instructions

• A radiology technician must follow a doctor's order accurately. She must ensure that she has the correct patient for the X-ray and that she performs the exact X-ray the doctor has ordered for that patient.

Positioning

• Before taking the X-ray, the technician needs to position the patient properly so that the correct angle is gotten during the procedure. If the positioning is not correct, the technician may not get a picture of the fracture or problem requiring diagnosis.

Machine Knowledge

• The radiology technician needs to have complete knowledge of the machines he uses, including how to properly use them and how to maintain them. If they are not used or maintained correctly, they will not work correctly.

Developing Film

• In many instances, the doctor ordering the X-rays needs the films back promptly to make a diagnosis. This urgency requires that the technician have the ability and knowledge to develop the films quickly and accurately.

Considerations

• Though the duties of a radiology technician may vary slightly according to the facility, the basic tasks are the same.